Packaging For Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for biological samples, particularly tumor tissues, fail to provide secure, temperature-controlled transportation that prevents degradation and leakage while ensuring traceability and tamper evidence.
Innovation Solution
A packaging and transporting device comprising an insert with cut outs for securing strips, temperature sensors, and securing elements, a transport bag with absorbent sheets, and a cooling engine to maintain specific temperature ranges, along with labeling and sealing mechanisms to ensure secure and traceable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing packaging solutions are used for biological samples, then the packaging structure is simple, but the samples are not securely protected against degradation, leakage, and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into multiple functional components: an inner container for the biological sample, an outer container for protection, insulation material for temperature control, and various sealing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing comprehensive protection for the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging employs a nested structure where the inner container holding the biological sample is placed within the outer container. The inner container is surrounded by insulation material, and the entire assembly is sealed within the outer container. This nested arrangement maximizes protection while organizing components efficiently.
2Reliability
If temperature control is not implemented, then the packaging is simpler, but biological samples degrade during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
Insulation material is placed between the inner and outer containers before transportation to prevent temperature fluctuations. This pre-established thermal barrier protects the temperature-sensitive biological sample from external environmental changes during transit without requiring active temperature control systems.
3Reliability
If securing mechanisms are not used, then the packaging is easier to open, but tampering cannot be detected and samples can be accessed unauthorized
Solution Approach 1:
Tamper-evident seals or indicators are used that change color or show visible signs when the packaging has been opened or compromised. This allows quick visual verification of sample integrity without requiring complex inspection procedures, balancing security with ease of verification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively maintains biological samples within a predetermined temperature range, prevents leakage, and provides tamper evidence, ensuring the integrity and safety of the samples during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling engine to maintain a predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 2
The transport bag includes an absorbent sheet configured to absorb leakage of the sample container
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging and transporting device for a biological sample including an insert, a securing strip, a securing element, a temperature sensor, a plurality of labels, a shipping pouch sized and shaped to receive a shipping document, and a transport bag configured to receive a sample container. The insert comprises a plurality of cutouts sized and shaped to receive the securing strip, the securing element, and the temperature sensor. At least one of the plurality of labels includes patient information.